Bice, Houlahan, and Letlow Introduce Protecting Families from Fertility Fraud Act

Washington, D.C.- Today, Representatives Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Julia Letlow (LA-05), and Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06) reintroduced their bipartisan legislation, Protecting Families from Fertility Fraud Act. This legislation would establish a new federal crime for knowingly misrepresenting the nature or source of DNA used in any assisted reproductive technology procedure. The bill includes a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison, creates a 10-year statute of limitations that begins when DNA evidence identifies a suspect, and adds this offense as a predicate crime under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. This legislation was introduced with the support of numerous victims of Fertility Fraud, including many who featured in the 2022 Netflix documentary, "Our Father".

Congresswoman Bice issued the following statement:
"After watching the 2022 Netflix documentary "Our Father," I was appalled that there was no justice for the families impacted by the heartbreaking situation. Learning that there have been hundreds of cases where fertility doctors knowingly used their own genetic material without their patients' knowledge or consent was deeply disturbing. This legislation is about protecting patients, ensuring accountability, and delivering justice for victims. While we've generated significant support in the past, I am committed to working with the fertility fraud advocates to get the Protecting Families from Fertility Fraud Act signed into law."

Congresswoman Houlahan issued the following statement:
"I am proud to work with Congresswoman Bice on bipartisan legislation to safeguard patients, their partners, and their children. Our bill makes it a federal crime to misrepresent the source of DNA in fertility treatments and gives affected families the legal tools they need to hold bad actors accountable. It's past time we send this bill to the President's desk and deliver these families a path to justice."

Congresswoman Letlow issued the following statement:
"Misrepresenting the source of DNA used in fertility treatments is reprehensible and a disturbing violation of trust between doctor and patient. I'm proud to stand alongside my colleagues in introducing the Protecting Families from Fertility Fraud Act to hold these predators accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Our bill also provides victims and their families the dignity, protections, and recourse they deserve."

Contact: Wesley Harkins

Phone: (202) 225-2132